Link to Audio Recording

This was the first time we analyzed and discussed poetry in class. Through the discussions, it was interesting to see that the poet uses the theme of homosexuality in both poems, and explains his concept of identity. The use of the motif of death, lightness/darkness,

It was interesting to see that the title, “Dear John” is a letter that is usually for soldiers from their girlfriends to inform them they have been dumped. The way the poet wrote the poem made it easy for the reader to relate, and to be more empathetic towards the character.

If I were to improve our group discussion, I would go deeper into the analysis of symbols the poet uses, such as the ocean motif and the symbol of death.